2 Corinthians 6:16

And what agreement hath the Temple of God with idoles? for ye are the Temple of the liuing God, as God hath saide, I will dwell in them, and walke in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV)

The book of 2 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. In this passage Paul is addressing the Corinthians, emphasizing the importance of believers being separate from unbelievers and warning against compromising their faith. Paul uses the metaphor of the temple of God to describe the believers. In the Old Testament the temple was the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people; in the New Testament, however, believers themselves become the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. This signifies a profound spiritual reality wherein God takes up residence within the hearts and lives of believers.

Paul raises the question, “What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?” to highlight the incongruity between believers, who are indwelt by God’s Spirit, and idols, which are false gods and representations of false worship. He cautions the Corinthians against any compromise with idolatry or participating in activities that dilute their devotion to the one true God.

To reinforce the concept of believers as the temple of the living God, Paul quotes the Old Testament promise found in Leviticus 26:11‑12, where God declares that He will dwell among His people and walk among them. This emphasizes the intimate relationship believers have with God and the reality of His presence in their lives. It is a reminder that believers have been chosen by God to be His own special people.

Paul concludes the verse with the covenant language, “I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” This echoes the biblical covenant relationship between God and His people, signifying a personal and reciprocal relationship. It implies that believers have a unique identity as God’s chosen people, and that God commits Himself to care for, guide, and bless them as their loving and sovereign God.

Overall, 2 Corinthians 6:16 underscores the spiritual reality of believers being temples of the living God. It calls for a separation from idolatry and compromise, emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and His people. It reminds believers of their special identity and covenant relationship with God, urging them to live in a manner that reflects their calling as His chosen people.